Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1993

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 179for the duties pertaining to their office. When no preaching serviceon the S abbath, a congregational prayer meeting should be ananged by thesession.OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES6. The session may authorize other congregational activities or organizationssuch as moming or evening church school, youth meetings,vacation Bible school, and men's and women's fellowships. Family andyouth conferences may be ananged at the congregational as well aspresbyterial and synodical levels.CHAPTER 6OTHER CORPORATE SERVICES1. In addition to its stated worship services and special ordinances, thecongregation may often be involved in other collective activities where theapplication of the ralesof worship is unclear. The Regulative Principle ofworship applies in those situations in which God's people are placed underobligation to be present and to participate in worship. When the officers ofthe church call upon the members of the church to assemble to worship,they may not indoduce into the worship any element which God has notcommanded in His Word. To do so would infringe upon the liberty whichChrist gives His people from the doctrines and commandments of men.It follows that in situations in which the church places no obligationupon anyone to attend, as in musical concerts and social gatherings or atfuneral services or weddings, the regulative principle does not apply. It isin such gatherings that religious music other than the Psalms has its properplace. In such gatherings it is not improper for the Psalms to be sung withinstmmental accompaniment, provided they are not used ineverently.THE FUNERAL SERVICE2. Bringing comfort at the time of death is the distinct ministry of thepeople of God. Such ministry is deeply needed and appreciated, and theteaching elder particularly is to be ready to give help. He should goimmediately to be with the family to listen to them, to share the comfortof God's Word, to pray with and for them, to assure them of the supportof God's people, and to be available to help with funeral anangements.3. While it is neither unscriptural nor inappropriate to have the funeralservice in the home or in a funeral establishment, there are seriousconsiderations for having the service in the church building: this is whereGod's people meet, where the Word of God is proclaimed, where theblessings of worship have been experienced and where it is natural to seek